Music Review: Shontelle falls short on second CD

In this CD cover image released by Universal Motown Records, the latest by Shontelle, "No Gravity" is shown. (AP Photo/Universal Motown Records)

Shontelle first made noise on the charts with her 2008 single,
"T-Shirt" - and she's bringing back the buzz with the same song in
a Radio Killa remix with hitmaker The-Dream on her new CD, "No
Gravity."

The Barbados-born singer is also bringing love ballads, a
departure from her debut album.

Give her credit for her powerful vocals on "Impossible,"
although the songs she sings add nothing to the well-worn subject
of heartbreak. The lyrics are filled with the same misguided,
lonely thoughts of a distraught woman, such as the bitter love
ballad "Say Hello to Goodbye" and "Kiss You Up," a plea to a
lover.

Shontelle's first album evoked comparisons to fellow Bajan
native Rihanna. On "No Gravity," the 23-year-old proves she has yet
to find her own signature style.

"No Gravity" sounds too similar to Rihanna's up-tempo dance
material, especially on the techno-flavored "Perfect Nightmare" and
the self-titled track.

Shontelle has talent; she just needs time to find her own
identity before she can soar.